U.S. patent application number 11/578692 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for disinfection apparatus with connection device.
Invention is credited to Christer Jonsson.
Application Number | 20070286780 11/578692 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32322674 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070286780 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jonsson; Christer |
December 13, 2007 |
Disinfection Apparatus With Connection Device
Abstract
A disinfection apparatus is disclosed for disinfecting fluid
cleaning of health care objects and the like. The disinfection
apparatus includes a fluid system for supplying fluid to a chamber,
an at least partially movably arranged first connecting part with
an active and an inactive position, which is adjusted to a mobile
object holder, which object holder is to be placed in the chamber
and has a second connecting part connectable to the first
connecting part. The first connecting part is movable, under the
action of the pressure in the fluid system, between a position
disconnected from the holder and a position connected to the active
position, i.e. to the second connecting part. A fluid connectable
mobile object holder is also disclosed, which is adapted to be
placed in a chamber of a disinfection apparatus as stated
above.
Inventors: |
Jonsson; Christer; (Vaxjo,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
32322674 |
Appl. No.: |
11/578692 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
April 26, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE05/00602 |
371 Date: |
August 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 2/26 20130101; A61L
2202/23 20130101; A61L 2202/26 20130101; A61L 2202/122 20130101;
A61L 2/22 20130101; Y10T 137/7867 20150401; A61L 2/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/300 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/18 20060101
A61L002/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 27, 2004 |
SE |
0401074-0 |
Claims
1. A disinfection apparatus for disinfecting fluid cleaning of, the
disinfection apparatus comprising: a fluid system for supplying
fluid to a chamber, an at least partially movably arranged first
connecting part with an active and an inactive position, adapted to
a mobile object holder, the object holder being placeable in the
chamber, a second connecting part connectable to said first
connecting part, said first connecting part being movable, under
the action of the pressure in said fluid system, between a position
disconnected from said holder and a position connected to said
second connecting part.
2. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
first connecting part is arranged to take said disconnected
position at a low fluid pressure, thus allowing free movability of
the object holder.
3. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
first connecting part is arranged to give a varying movement to
extend into the chamber, said first connecting part extending
minimally into the chamber in said disconnected position at a low
fluid pressure.
4. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
first connecting part is substantially axially movable under the
action of the pressure in said fluid system.
5. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
first connecting part, in the absence of said second connecting
part, is movable under the action of the pressure in said fluid
system to a fluid-arresting position, in which the fluid flow is
arrested in said first connecting part.
6. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said
first connecting part includes relatively movable parts which are
operatively connected to a valve assembly which, when moving, in
the absence of said second connecting part, are connected so that
the valve assembly is made to close.
7. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein one of
the parts included in the valve assembly is a sealing element,
arranged in the fluid passage of said first connecting part.
8. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
first connecting part is substantially sleeve-shaped.
9. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said
first connecting part includes a fixed part and a telescopic sleeve
and, movable therewith, an annular valve seat, said sealing element
being connected to said fixed part and said sealing element
including a downwards directed conical sealing surface which
cooperates with the valve seat.
10. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
first connecting part is arranged with an arm, pivotable in the
chamber and movable under the action of the pressure in said fluid
system.
11. A fluid-connectable mobile object holder, adapted to be placed
in a chamber of a disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 1.
12. A disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said
first connecting part is arranged with an arm, pivotable in the
chamber and movable under the action of the pressure in said fluid
system.
13. A fluid-connectable mobile object holder, adapted to be placed
in a chamber of a disinfection apparatus as claimed in claim 2.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a disinfection apparatus
for disinfecting fluid cleaning of health care objects and the
like, which disinfection apparatus comprises a fluid system for
supplying fluid to a chamber, an at least partially movably
arranged first connecting part with an active and an inactive
position, which is adapted to a mobile object holder, which object
holder is to be placed in the chamber and has a second connecting
part connectable to said first connecting part.
[0002] The invention also relates to a fluid-connectable mobile
object holder which is adapted to be placed in a chamber of a
disinfection apparatus as stated above.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Disinfection apparatus of the above type are well known.
They are used for decontamination, disinfection and/or
sterilization of goods, instruments and other objects that are
used, for instance, in hospitals, laboratories and in the
pharmaceutical industry. In these fields, disinfection is an
important activity to prevent, for instance, the spread of
infection and bacterial growth. By disinfection is meant rendering
harmless, and the absence of, pathogenic forms of life, such as
organisms, infectious substances etc. Sterilisation which can be
considered a disinfecting measure requires, however, a higher
degree of cleanness and concerns the absence of all forms of life
whether they are pathogenic or not.
[0004] One type of disinfection apparatus is provided with what is
referred to as walk-in chambers, which are large enough for an
individual to enter and/or large enough for a trolley/cart or other
equipment to be inserted. These trolleys are usually adapted to
carry one or more of the above objects.
[0005] Disinfection apparatus of this type usually have a
disinfection chamber into which a plurality of nozzles open for
disinfection fluid to be supplied. Disinfection fluid usually
comprises liquids of varying types but may also be different kinds
of gases, such as vapour or other disinfectants.
[0006] To provide improved disinfection of the objects that are
placed on a trolley, the trolley is frequently pro-vided with fluid
nozzles for fluid to be supplied. The trolley has a connecting
part, which is designed for fluid connection to a corresponding
connecting part in the chamber. The fluid supply to the trolley is
also normally an optional flow to the other nozzles of the
disinfection apparatus in the chamber.
[0007] Existing connecting parts in the chamber of this type may
cause troubles, for instance be an obstacle when an operator is to
move a trolley or a similar object into and out of the chamber,
especially when the connecting part is positioned at the floor of
the chamber. In addition to problems associated with the connecting
part possibly being a considerable obstacle, it can also be a
time-consuming and complicated operation to connect and disconnect
the fluid supply. The operator who usually performs connection and
disconnection of the trolley must also ensure that connection and
disconnection is performed properly.
[0008] It is also desirable to be able to use the disinfection
apparatus for disinfecting purposes also without trolleys to which
fluid is supplied and in addition to be able to reduce at least one
of the above problems.
[0009] Finally it is advantageous to provide a robust,
cost-effective, user-friendly and reliable high quality
disinfection apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a
disinfection apparatus which enables improvements in relation to
prior-art disinfection apparatus in one or more of the
above-mentioned aspects.
[0011] The object is achieved by a disinfection apparatus of the
type mentioned by way of introduction, which is further
characterised in that said first connecting part is movable, under
the action of the pressure in said fluid system, between a position
disconnected from said holder and a position connected to said
active position, i.e. to said second connecting part.
[0012] The object is also achieved with a fluid-connectable mobile
object holder which is adapted to be placed in a chamber of a
disinfection apparatus as stated above.
[0013] The present invention, as defined in claims 1 and 11, gives
several advantages; for instance when the holder is placed in the
chamber, the fluid connection may occur in an automatic manner by
the fluid pressure in the fluid system. The invention can thus
reduce the problems related to connection and disconnection of the
fluid sup-ply to the holder when, for example, the movability of
said first connecting part provides a possibility of a reduced risk
of its being an obstacle. Moreover, the invention may result in a
simplified connecting process and, associated therewith, a reduced
time expenditure.
[0014] By fluid cleaning is in the first place meant different
types of liquids, such as water and other liquid-like cleaning
agents which can be used in washer disinfectors. In the second
place, fluids in a wider perspective are intended, where
disinfection can also take place by cleaning and/or disinfecting
fluid, such as one or more of water, vapour or other disinfectants.
Thus also the term sterilization can be comprised, for which
apparatus such as autoclaves can be mentioned.
[0015] By health care objects and the like are in the first place
meant goods, instruments and other objects which have to be
disinfected in, for instance, hospitals, laboratories, the
pharmaceutical industry or the like. In the second place, goods,
instruments and other objects in the above-mentioned fields are
intended, which have to be sterilized and/or decontaminated and
cleaned in other manners. The following can be mentioned as
examples of health care objects: vessels, instrument containers,
hospital beds, trolleys, wheelchairs, animal cages, machine parts
for health care applications and bulky objects.
[0016] It is preferred for said first connecting part to be
arranged to take said disconnected position at a low fluid
pressure, thus allowing free movability of the object holder. Thus,
the object holder can easily be moved into and out of the chamber
at a low fluid pressure.
[0017] By low fluid pressure is in the first place meant when the
pressure is zero or alternatively close to zero, upstream of the
first connecting part. In the second place, a lower pressure in
relation to the normal operating pressure is intended and at a
sufficiently low pressure for said first connecting part to leave
said active position towards said disconnected position.
[0018] Said first connecting part is advantageously arranged to
give a varying movement to extend into the chamber, said first
connecting part extending minimally into the chamber in said
disconnected position at a low fluid pressure.
[0019] This reduces the potential risk of said first connecting
part being an obstacle in the intended use of the disinfection
apparatus. By a varying movement is meant a movement which has at
least two different positions, thus resulting in adjustability.
[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, said first connecting
part is substantially axially movable under the action of the
pressure in said fluid system. The opposite said second connecting
part can together with said first connecting part thus establish
the required seal by a relative motion in essentially one
direction, viz. in the axial direction.
[0021] In addition to said active position, said first connecting
part is preferably, in the absence of said second connecting part,
movable under the action of the pressure in said fluid system to a
fluid-arresting position, in which the fluid flow is arrested in
said first connecting part. The fluid-arresting position thus
corresponds to a safety position when, for example, someone has put
the holder in the wrong place, forgot to throttle the flow to the
first connecting part or the like. This safety position can give
advantages since the operator can use the same programme whether
the second connecting part is available or not. The cleaning
programme can thus be designed so that the fluid flow is shut off
in the fluid system up to the first connecting part just after the
first connecting part has moved to the fluid-arresting position, in
which case the first connecting part returns to the inactive
position.
[0022] Said first connecting part may consist of relatively movable
parts which are operatively connected to a valve assembly which,
when moving, in the absence of said second connecting part, are
connected so that the valve assembly is made to close. Moreover one
of the parts included in the valve assembly can be a sealing
element which is arranged in the fluid passage of said first
connecting part.
[0023] Said first connecting part is suitably substantially
sleeve-shaped to be able to provide the required movability and
seal.
[0024] According to one embodiment, said first connecting part has
a fixed part and a telescopic sleeve and, movable therewith, an
annular valve seat, said sealing element being connected to said
fixed part and said sealing element having a downwards directed
conical sealing surface which cooperates with the valve seat. The
telescopic sleeve provides a possibility of taking, under the
action of the fluid pressure, at least three positions, in which
case the fluid-arresting position is obtained by the seal between
the sealing element and the conical sealing surface.
[0025] The first connecting part can be arranged with an arm which
is pivotable in the chamber and movable under the action of the
pressure in said fluid system. In some applications, it may, for
instance for space reasons, be advantageous that the first
connecting part is pivoted inwards to the second connecting part on
the object holder. The movement by means of the pivotable arm can
also be combined with an axial movement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention will now be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, which for the purpose of exemplification
illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a disinfection apparatus
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 shows in more detail parts of the disinfection
apparatus in FIG. 1, partly in cross-section, seen obliquely from
the front.
[0029] FIG. 3a shows two sections seen from the front of the
disinfection apparatus in FIG. 2, in an inactive position.
[0030] FIG. 3b shows an active position of the corresponding
sections of the disinfection apparatus in FIG. 3a.
[0031] FIG. 3c shows a fluid-arresting position of the
corresponding sections of the disinfection apparatus in FIG.
3a.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows the disinfection apparatus according to FIG. 1
with a fluid-connectable mobile object holder and a section of a
first and a second connecting part.
[0033] FIG. 5a is a schematic cross-section of parts of a
disinfection apparatus with a first connecting part in an inactive
position, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 5b shows an active position of the corresponding
cross-section of the disinfection apparatus according to FIG.
5a.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a disinfection apparatus 1 according to a
first embodiment of the invention, which has a chamber 3 which is
adapted to receive objects for disinfection. The chamber 3 is
partly made from mountable wall, ceiling and floor elements of, for
instance, stainless sheet steel. Moreover a movably arranged door
13 is mounted for opening and closing the entrance to the
chamber.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a part of the bottom 12 of the chamber. A first
connecting part 4 is arranged in a bent, substantially U-shaped
metal sheet 14, with its opening oriented downwards. According to
the first embodiment, the first connecting part 4 is arranged at
the bottom 12 of the chamber, essentially in the centre of the
extent of the bottom. The first connecting part 4 consists of a
fixed part 9 in the form of an outer sleeve-shaped part of metal
(or alternatively plastic) which is fixedly arranged in the bottom
12 of the chamber. A movably arranged sleeve 10 is positioned in
the fixed sleeve-shaped part 9, their peripherally engaging
surfaces being fluid-tight. The telescopic sleeve 10 has in its
lower part a valve seat 8 in the form of a diametrical contraction.
A sealing element 7 is, as shown in FIG. 2, centrally arranged in
the lower part of the fixed sleeve part 9 at the bottom 12 of the
chamber. In this case, the sealing element 7 is connected to the
fixed sleeve part 9 by a screw joint. The free end of the sealing
element 7 has an adjusted diameter in relation to the inner
diameter 10 of the movable sleeve. As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing
element 7 tapers downwards and thus has a downwardly directed
conical sealing surface 11, which is complementarily sealable
relative to the opposite valve seat 8 of the movable sleeve 10.
[0037] The fixed part 9 has a fluid line 15 arranged transversely
to the longitudinal extent of the first connecting part, where the
fluid line 15 extends along the bottom 12 of the chamber to a fluid
system 2 for supplying fluid.
[0038] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3a illustrates the first
connecting part 4 in an inactive position when the movable sleeve
10 of the first connecting part 4 extends minimally into the
chamber, thus reducing the risk of its being an obstacle to
operators, trolleys and the like. In the inactive position,
according to the first embodiment, the first connecting part 4 has
substantially no fluid pressure relative to the pressure of the
chamber. FIG. 3a shows that a free end 16 of the sealing element 7
is positioned at the same level as a connecting portion 17 at the
level of the movable sleeve, which constitutes a sealing function,
for example, for liquid descending into the chamber 3.
[0039] FIG. 3b shows the first connecting part 4 in an active
position, when the movable sleeve 10 of the first connecting part 4
has moved axially to form a peripheral fluid passage 18 around the
sealing element 7 in the movable sleeve 10. FIG. 4 shows an object
holder 5 in the form of a trolley which in its lower part has a
second connecting part 6 which is adapted, in an active position,
to be connected under the action of the pressure in the fluid line
15. This active position in FIG. 3b is also referred to as a
connected position.
[0040] FIG. 3c illustrates the first connecting part 4 in a
fluid-arresting position when the movable sleeve 10 of the first
connecting part 4 has moved axially beyond the active position.
This position can, for example, occur in the absence of said
connecting part 6 on the object holder 5. In this fluid-arresting
position, which is also referred to as a safety position, the
annular valve seat 8 of the movable sleeve 10 moves under the
action of the fluid pressure in the fluid line 15 into sealing
abutment against the conical sealing surface 11.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 4, 3a, 3b, 3c, the function of the
disinfection apparatus according to the first embodiment will be
described. The operator runs, for example, the trolley 5 carrying
objects into the chamber 3 and closes the door 13. The operator
starts the desired disinfection programme from a control unit (not
shown). As fluid is supplied through the fluid line 15 in the fluid
system 2, the fixed part 9 will be filled with fluid, whereby a
pressure is applied to the lower part of the movable sleeve 10
adjacent to the valve seat. The flow area adjacent to the valve
seat 8 is smaller than the corresponding area adjacent to the
connecting portion 17. The movable sleeve 10 will thus, under the
action of the pressure, move axially upwards. When the second
connecting part 6 of the trolley is placed at a predetermined
vertical distance above the first connecting part, it will thus be
possible to arrange the connecting portion 17 to seal against the
second connecting part 6, see FIG. 4. Fluid can then flow from the
fixed part 9, through the fluid passage 18, into the second
connecting part 6 and into the branches of the trolley and the
associated nozzles (not shown) for distributing fluid in the
chamber 3.
[0042] When the second connecting part 6 is not positioned above
the first connecting part 4, in the intended way, the fluid
pressure will thus affect the exterior of the lower part of the
movable sleeve 10 adjacent to the valve seat 8, whereby the sleeve
10 is pressed axially upwards against the conical sealing surface
11 to the fluid-arresting position, see FIG. 3c. The sealing
element 7 and the valve seat 8 cooperate under the action of
pressure in this safety position for sealing abutment. According to
the first embodiment, the disinfection programme is designed so
that the fluid flow through the fluid line 15 is shut off by a
pressure sensor and a control means (not shown) when the first
connecting part 4 has moved to the fluid-arresting position. The
pressure sensor can thus determine a pressure difference in the
system and thus determine whether the first connecting part 4 has
moved to the fluid-arresting position, in which case the control
means according to the first embodiment deflects the liquid flow to
an ordinary washing system with nozzles (not shown) in the chamber
3. Since this washing system is not part of the invention, it will
not be described in more detail. The movable sleeve will then
during the reduction of the fluid pressure return to the inactive
position, see FIG. 3a. Consequently, the possible presence of the
second connecting part 6 will be detected. This means that the same
programme can be used whether the operator intends to use supply of
fluid through the first connecting part, or not. In this case, the
first connecting part 4 and its cooperating parts provide the
functions of both automatic detection of the possible presence of
the second connecting part 6 and automatic fluid connection.
Moreover, the fluid-arresting position is advantageous in the
absence of the second connecting part since there is no fluid
flowing out of the first connecting part that may cause problems to
objects in the chamber.
[0043] The disinfection apparatus 1 and the first and the second
connecting part 4, 6 can according to a second embodiment be
intended for the supply of gas, such as water vapour and other
appropriate fluids. Since fluids (such as water and water vapour)
at least to some extent have a similar behaviour, reference is made
to the above description thereof. The first and the second
connecting part 4, 6 will according to the second embodiment have a
similar function even if the parts and fluid system 2 of the
chamber will differ in certain respects as regards dimensioning and
requirements as to tightness etc. Also the number of nozzles and
their location on the holder (or the like) may differ with regard
to the fact that gases have a better diffusion capacity than, for
example, water in liquid form.
[0044] A third embodiment of the invention will be described in the
following. Equivalent components have been given the same reference
numerals, reference being made to the above description. The
movably arranged sleeve 10 of the first connecting part 4 is
according to the third embodiment arranged on an arm (not shown)
which is pivot-able inwards relative to the chamber and which is
movable under the action of pressure in the fluid line 15. A
corresponding connecting portion 17 is arranged at the free end of
the inwardly pivotable arm. The pivoting motion provides a
possibility for the first connecting part 4 to be connected to the
second connecting part 6 by the fluid pressure in a manner similar
to that described above. The fluid-arresting position is provided
according to the third embodiment by a valve-shaped design with a
sealing element which is pivoted inwards and arrests the supply of
fluid through a corresponding fixed part 9. The pivot-able arm will
in the absence of the second connecting part 6 continue to pivot
outwards beyond the active position, thereby arresting the
fluid.
[0045] In the following, a fourth embodiment of the invention will
be described with reference to FIG. 5a. Equivalent components have
been given the same reference numerals, reference being made to the
above description.
[0046] Also in this embodiment, the first connecting part 4' is
substantially sleeve-shaped, where relatively movable parts are
operatively connected to a valve assembly 7', 8'. In this case, the
valve assembly 7', 8' is pro-vided by the sealing element 7, for
instance according to FIG. 4 with the downwardly directed sealing
surface 11, instead being arranged with an upwardly directed
sealing surface 11', and the sealing element 7' being movably
arranged, preferably substantially axially. The valve seat 8' is
fixedly arranged, preferably in the fixed part 9'. The valve seat
8' has an annular downwardly directed surface which is adjusted to
the opposite movable sealing surface 11' of the sealing element
7'.
[0047] With reference once more to FIG. 5a, the peripherally
projecting sealing surface 11' is arranged on the lower part of the
movable sleeve 10'. As shown in FIG. 5a, the movable sleeve 10' has
recesses 40' (in this case four recesses) to provide suitable
passages for the fluid and connecting portions 41' between the
sealing surface 11' and the upper part of the sleeve 10'. The
sleeve 10' is preferably axially movably arranged on a fixedly
arranged guide means 42' to provide the necessary movability in
different operative positions. When the fluid pressure is low, zero
or close to zero, the movable sleeve is retained or returned to the
inactive/disconnected position, see FIG. 5a. In this case returning
occurs partly by gravity. According to the fourth embodiment, also
a drain valve (not shown) is preferably arranged in the bottom
portion 44' of the first connecting part 4'. The drain valve or a
similar means is opened at a low fluid pressure, and the remaining
fluid can be drained off from the first connecting part 4', which
also accelerates the return of the movable sleeve 10' to the
inactive/disconnected position. Alternatively, returning may occur
by a spring means, such as a coil spring, which can be arranged
between the movable sealing surface 11' and the fixed part 9'.
[0048] In the inactive position shown in FIG. 5a, the movable
sleeve 10' extends minimally into the chamber so as not to be an
obstacle to an operator, object holder etc. As the fluid pressure
is increased, the fluid flows in through the recesses 40' and the
fluid pressure affects the underside of the movable sleeve, thereby
moving the sleeve upwards. If an object holder with a second
connecting part is in the intended position, docking may thus
occur, which is shown in FIG. 5b. The fluid can thus flow via the
space between the sealing surface 11' and the valve seat 8' and
then through the sleeve 10' to a second connecting part, if any. In
the absence of a second connecting part 6' or the like, the sleeve
10' with the sealing surface 11' is moved on upwards under the
action of the pressure to a fluid-arresting position. The fluid
flow is arrested by the sealing surface 11' being pressed against
the valve seat 8' so as thus to provide a valve-like function.
[0049] It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments
of the invention can be modified and varied by a person skilled in
the art without departing from the inventive concept defined in the
claims. The first connecting part 4 can, for example, be modified
by said sealing element 7 with its downwardly directed sealing
surface 11 instead being arranged with an upwardly directed sealing
surface on the lower part of a movably arranged sealing element,
the valve seat instead being fixedly arranged (for instance on said
fixed part 9) so as to provide a valve-like function. Moreover
connection can be performed, for example, by a combination of an
axial and a pivoting movement.
[0050] Furthermore larger objects that are to be disinfected, such
as large vessels, wheelchairs and hospital beds, can themselves be
arranged with said second connecting part 6. Alternatively, the
holder (wash trolley) can be provided with a fluid connection which
in turn is connectable to the object.
[0051] Besides the disinfection apparatus may comprise a plurality
of fluid connections, of which at least one is of the type defined
as said first connecting part 4. For instance, there may be
connections for supply of desalinated water (distilled water), for
instance, to an after-rinsing step in the disinfection programme.
Moreover a plurality of different liquids can be used in addition
to water, dishwashing detergents, cleaning and disinfecting agents,
which can have different pH values in the range 1.5-14.
[0052] The disinfection apparatus can also be adapted to use both
liquids and gases each separately or in combination.
* * * * *